KANSAI Area Pass

Why choose the KANSAI Area Pass?

Kansai may be one of the most well-known regions of Japan in the world, and it's for a number of reasons. There are many things that come to mind when mentioning Kansai, but above anything else, it is home to some of the most diverse set of destinations throughout the archipelago. From the historic shrines and sophisticated streets of Kyoto to the bustling atmosphere of Osaka, to the finest dinging rooms in Kobe, the entire spectrum of Japan's most celebrated appeal can be experienced in Kansai. With the Kansai Area Pass, the well-connected JR train system is at your disposal to travel around the diverse and venerable region. 

How to use the KANSAI Area Pass?

Delivery

We will send an e-voucher to your email address within 5 business days of your order. If you want to receive it earlier, please contact us. (the e-voucher is not the real ticket, you cannot take trains with the voucher)

You can print out the e-voucher on A4 size paper, or you can show the voucher on your mobile device at the point of exchange.

Exchange

Please exchange your e-voucher to receive the physical ticket at one of the locations below. Your voucher should be exchanged within 3 months (90 days) of receiving the e-voucher. You can redeem your voucher for the physical pass in these places:

(You will need to present your passport)

Validity 

The Kansai Area Pass is available in validity periods of 1, 2, 3, or 4 total days. The Kansai Area Pass allows unlimited rides on a majorit of JR-operated train lines throughout the Kansai area, allowing for easy commute between destinations like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and more!

Seat Reservations 

• With this pass, no additional fee is required when reserving seats. Please note there is a maximum of two seat reservations for the Haruka Express between Kyoto and Kansai International Airport. 
• Non-reserved Ordinary Class cars can be accessed freely.
• In order to travel in First Class (Green Cars) you will have to pay additional fees.
• To access the platforms, show your pass to the JR West staff located at the platform gates.
• To reserve a seat, ask the JR West staff at the JR Service Center. 
• The JR Kansai Pass is a personal pass. Please always carry your passport when using the pass, as station and train staff may ask to check it.

Cancellation and Modification

• An unused voucher is refundable for one year from the date of issue.
• The voucher can only be refunded if it has never been exchanged in Japan.
• A cancellation fee of 15% of the voucher price will be retained.
• A refund is NOT possible for a voucher if we are contacted more than one year from the date of issue.
• A refund is NOT accepted by Japan Experience for a redeemed ticket.  Please ask the JR West ticket office staff when you exchange the voucher.

Eligibility

Visitors traveling as tourists who have a temporary visitor entry status are eligible for this pass. Japanese passport holders are not eligible for this pass.

Explore the Kansai Region!

At the center of the political and cultural life of Japan for more than 1000 years due to the presence of the ancient and illustrious imperial capitals, Kyoto and Nara, the Kansai region enjoys a history and heritage like no other.

This multifaceted area offers visitors both the discovery of a multitude of World Heritage Sites and the urban excitement of cities like Osaka and Kobe.

Known for its array of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens, imperial palaces, and traditional tea houses, Kyoto is situated in the Kansai region. With well-known locations like the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of torii gates, the city is a living example of history and culture.

After Tokyo and Yokohama, Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan with a population of around 2.7 million people. It is well-known for its vibrant nightlife and contemporary culinary culture. The Dotonbori neighborhood is well-known for its eateries and neon signs, and Osaka Castle provides insight into the city's past.

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city known for its Chinatown district, sake breweries, and its famous wagyu, Kobe Beef. Meanwhile, Himeji Castle, an architectural masterpiece from Japan's feudal era, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, cited as one of the most definitive castles throughout Japan. 

With its charming canals and merchant houses, Kurashiki in Okayama's Bikan historical district takes tourists back to the Edo era. Fashion lovers will also see Okayama as a pilgrimage, as its Jean Street located in Kojima is the center of the country's storied history with indigo denim. 

Home to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

The Kansai region has more sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List than any other region of Japan. The reasons for this is due to its unique role in the history of the country and the remarkable preservation of sites and monuments partly spared by wars and natural disasters. 

With the Kansai Area Pass, discover some of the most beautiful sites in Japan during a day or multi-day trip:

Himeji Castle

The largest and most visited castle in Japan, Himeji Castle is located in Hyogo Prefecture, and is easily accessible from Osaka via train. This is an essential day trip for history buffs visiting Kansai. 

Buddhist monuments in the Horyu-ji region

Horyu-Ji is located in Nara Prefecture and was once one of the seven great temples. While the original wooden structures were burnt down in he year 670, they were later rebuilt and remain some of the oldest wooden strucures in all of Japan. 

The 17 Historical Monuments of ancient Kyoto

The ancient capital is home to a collection of historical attractions and monument recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Foundation. These include Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji Temples, Kiyomizudera Temple, Ujigami Shrine in Uji, and more!

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun

These ancient burial grounds are are found in the middle of an urban landscape of Sakai in Osaka. The burial mounds are in the shape of a key hole, a scallop shell, a square, and a circle, and are a notable view from up above, as well as visiting on the ground level.